Effects of foliar spray of nano-particles of FeSO4 on the growth and ion content of sunflower under saline condition

This study investigated the effects of foliar spray of normal and nano-particles of iron sulfate (FeSO4) on the response of sunflower cultivars to salinity. Treatments included five cultivars (Alstar, Olsion, Yourflor, Hysun36 and Hysun33), two salinity levels (0 and 100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)), and three levels of fertilizer application. Fertilizer treatments were the foliar application of normal and nano-particles of FeSO4. Foliar application of FeSO4 in either form increased leaf area, shoot dry weight, net carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation rate (A), sub-stomatal CO2 concentration (Ci), chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm and iron (Fe) content and decreased sodium (Na) content in leaves. The extent of increase in chlorophyll a content by foliar spray of FeSO4 nano-particles was significantly greater than normal form. The results showed that the FeSO4 nano-particles increased biomass production of sunflower plants greater in comparison with normal form, although no significant difference was found between two forms.